Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a type of virus that is spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. There are many different types (strains) of HPV virus that can infect people. HPV infections are very common and almost everyone will be infected by some form of HPV in their lifetime.

HPV and Cancer

Infection with certain strains of HPV can lead to cancer. Most HPV infections will go away--and many infections might not even result in noticeable symptoms. However, some HPV infections will last longer and can develop into cancer. The most common cancers caused by HPV include cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women, cancer of the penis in men, and cancers of the throat and the anus in men and women.

Preventing HPV

Preventing HPV infection is difficult because the infection is very common and most people don't show any symptoms when the are infectious. The best way to prevent HPV infection is to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine prevents infection from nine different strains of HPV that are most commonly associated with cancer. The vaccine isn't just about preventing HPV, it's about preventing cancers caused by HPV, too!

"Someone You Love" - A film to learn more about HPV

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is safe and very effective. It prevents against nine different types (strains) of HPV that are most commonly associated with HPV-related cancers.

The vaccine is given as a two or three dose series (depending on age) during adolescence. It is important to receive the vaccine during this stage in life because adolescents have likely not yet been exposed to or infected with HPV and because their immune systems are capable of producing a strong immune response to the vaccine.

Vaccine Safety

The HPV vaccine has been studied extensively over the past decade and has been found to be safe and effective. The most common side effects of HPV vaccination are pain and redness at the injection site. These side effects are often mild and disappear quickly after receiving the vaccine. Some individuals who receive the HPV vaccine may experience nausea, headache, muscle or joint pain or dizziness and fainting, but these side effects are rare.

Photo credit: CDC.

Parents play a key role in HPV vaccination!

Parents play a key role in the health of their children--and that includes vaccinations like the HPV vaccine. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children and their children's doctor about the importance of HPV vaccination.

For more information and resources for parents, visit the CDC HPV Website.

Child and Teen Vaccination Schedule Guide Now Available

Do you know which shots your child needs and at what age they should be given?

VDH has developed an easy-to-follow guide to child and teen vaccination schedules.

Consider printing a copy and keeping it with your child's medical records and bring it with you to their next pediatrician visit.

Click here to download your own copy!

HPV Vaccine is important for students

HPV vaccine is an important vaccine for all students to receive! Boys and girls should receive the vaccine when they are 11-12 years old and in Virginia, the HPV is a Code-required vaccine for school entry.

For more information about the HPV vaccine requirements, please read the letter (English | Spanish) from State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver that explains more about HPV vaccination for students. A helpful infographic (English | Spanish) is also available that contains more information and HPV vaccine and cancer prevention.

HPV Vaccine Requirements

HPV vaccine is a Code-required vaccine for all girls who attend public and private school in Virginia. For information about school immunization requirements, please visit the VDH School Requirements page on the Division of Immunization website.

Immunization Schedule for Children and Teens

A simple, easy to follow immunization schedule for children and teens is available here.

2 Dose Decision Tree

Here is a simple and easy resource to help determine if a patient needs a 2 or 3 dose series of HPV vaccine. Click here.

Dental Health and HPV

Did you know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause oropharyngeal cancer? Click HERE for a guide about HPV and oral health.

Earn FREE CE Credits and Prevent Cancer

Physicians, registered nurses and pharmacists you have the opportunity to earn 1 CE for FREE from The National AHEC Organization! In 1 hour you will learn how to give an effective HPV vaccine recommendation to adolescents, successfully communicate with adolescents and their parents about the HPV vaccine, and receive up-to-date HPV vaccine, infection, and disease information you become the key to cancer prevention! Click here to learn cancer prevention strategies and earn FREE CE’s.